If you’re like me, you keep your eye out for crock-pot recipes that can
be thrown together in a hurry. There are plenty that I’d like to try,
but my busy schedule doesn’t always allow me to do a lot of preparation.
I’m often tossing ingredients into a crock pot before bedtime to cook
the next day or I’m hurriedly throwing things together before I walk out
the door in the morning. For me, browning meat is an additional step
that takes time and effort. It’s much easier for me to prepare recipes
that are simply “load and go,” no precooking necessary.

Growing up we had a screened-in, three-season porch in my childhood home
on Terrace Drive in Carroll. This porch was used for many things. My
mom used to sit and read while I watched the old black and white TV or
played with my dolls and stuffed animals. I even hosted a few slumber
parties on that porch.

Let the busy season begin! From ball games, to music concerts to
end-of-the-year activities, spring is a busy time. I have been busy at
my school in the evenings helping with our first school musical,
fine-arts night and our music program and have had less and less time to
get dinner on the table.

As summer approaches, a poke cake is a perfect dessert to beat the heat.
Instead of the usual strawberry poke cake branch out with a new flavor
or two. Citrus flavors are all the rage in drinks and desserts as
they’re tart, yet refreshing.

When the kids ask you, “What’s for dessert?” they will be ecstatic when
you respond, “Cake AND pudding!” Whether it’s cake or pudding for
dessert, it’s always a winner. If you combine the two, you’re sure to
have plenty of happy campers.

The popularity of poke cakes is undeniable. They are simple to prepare
and big on flavor. Poke cakes come in any imaginable flavor and can be
filled with pudding, sweetened condensed milk, and gelatin, to name a
few. Strawberry poke cake with whipped cream on top is certainly one of
the most common variations.

Garlic is a common ingredient in many different foods. The next time you
prepare dinner, instead of reaching for the garlic powder, roast your
own garlic cloves. Roasted garlic has a distinctive flavor and has many
health benefits.

What is there not to love about chicken cordon bleu? A breaded cutlet of
chicken filled with ham and Swiss cheese is an elegant and classic
dish. Its origins; however, do not go back as far as you might guess.